“Strength and beauty for me are often intertwined, since I find strength beautiful and I usually find strength in most women. The idea of a woman is beautiful to me. They are beautiful to draw, and they are beautiful in their strength…”

“Imagine the number of people who, by just growing food, could support their families. Imagine if all of our local restaurants were able to source almost everything locally, or there is a market in everyone’s neighborhood. Imagine our children eating school lunches that have been sourced local and are free of chemicals…”

“One of my former comics instructors recently said something eluding to being an artist and cartoonist is like being a vampire, it is always going to be a part of you. I have always been creative, any time I try to do anything else, writing, journalism, community organizing, teaching, my art always intersects with that work…

“Growing up I didn’t know what I was doing with my singing. I knew I loved it, I knew it felt good, and singing in choir helped me feel a part of something bigger when I was in school and felt like the outsider. It still blows my mind that people buy my records and see me play live. I don’t take it for granted. It overwhelms me…”

Judith Compton’s passion and years of experience in the fashion industry led her to create a line of meaningful, beautiful, and inspiring jewelry items. Her brand, Mala and Mantra, is a fusion of classic meditation beads and modern style– all gorgeously and thoughtfully put together by a talented group of women working in a fair-trade collective. When Jamie Bullock brought this brand to my attention, I had to learn more about it! Here, Judith shares her story with us.

E.P.* is a lady who I’ve known since we were in elementary school together. She possesses a truly radiant kindness and warmth, the type of person who instantly makes you feel comfortable around her. She also has one of the biggest and brightest smiles I’ve ever seen, and a joyously happy laughter to go with it. I’m so glad she allowed me to ask her some questions about her life and career as a pilot in the United States Air Force, and share them here on our blog. (*We are using only her initials because she is a member of the U.S. Air Force and requests that her name remain anonymous for this interview) Tell us a little about yourself and what work you do I’m a Florida girl, born and (mostly) raised. We moved overseas for a few years as a child, but always back to Florida. I joined the Air Force Reserve almost 2 years ago. Right now I am finishing up some training on the C130. It’s a pretty awesome, large cargo …

Carmella is a dear friend of mine, and also a very hardworking woman. We’ve been friends for 15 years, and she is one of the strongest and most joyful individuals I’ve ever known; she makes no excuses but just gets stuff DONE, and she’s always there for people. Her heart is as big as her bright smile, and I’m so thankful she agreed to share some of her life with us in this interview! Introduction: Tell us a little about yourself and your family Well, I am a proud mama of 3– Amaya, 11; Noah Jr., 8; & Alina, 7 months old. Amaya, our firstborn, is in 6th grade (I can’t believe I have a middle schooler!) and is my future veterinarian. She is this feisty and smart young lady with a love for animals that amazes me. I call her the animal whisperer. She is like a walking animal encyclopedia. You can ask her just about anything to do with animals and she will have the answer. Noah Jr., our middle child, …